CA scope of practice bill moves to Appropriations Committee

SB 491-493 proposes to expand the scope of practice for non-physicians in anticipation of a healthcare provider shortage after the Affordable Care Act provides healthcare coverage to millions of uninsured Americans. These bills would designate optometrists as primary-care providers to diagnose and treat patients with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, allow nurse practitioners to establish independent practices, and designate pharmacists as primary-care providers. The bills were proposed by California Senator Ed Hernandez, OD.